|
|
Post by ptc on Feb 14, 2022 15:43:07 GMT
There is a good thread that was started recently on another forum by a member (DJ) who is a long time quality modeler and a good guy in our hobby. It deals with the subject of finishing a model train layout. In this topic, he talk about folks he has known that have rapidly finished their layouts to only within a year or two, tear them down, sell the equipment, and then leave the hobby. He goes on to say that for him, he never considers his layout furnished as he continually looks for ways to improve it.
This is an excellent subject to address. I can see how boredom can set in if the mindset is adopted that I'm done, what's next other than to just run the trains occasionally. What a shame to put a lot of effort and financial resources into a layout build and then to just walk away.
I am in the camp with DJ. Though the layout looks finished to those who may visit, it never really is. We are continually looking for ways to improve it. Last year we made a major effort to install a new suspension bridge that greatly added interest to one end of our Christmas in the City. Big lighted bridge, can't miss it when you walk in the door of the train room. This year, we are renovating the other end of the City with a new ramp connecting 34th Street to 2nd Avenue. We will also add new buildings to this area that will give additional interest.
Probably most of us do not consider our layouts as finished, but rather a continual work in progress. Your thoughts on this subject.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2022 15:47:00 GMT
Brian, as I have learned, a layout is never finished. There is so much you can do and also you can change things around. If someone states they are bored of their own layout, then change it up.
|
|
|
|
Post by david1 on Feb 14, 2022 17:16:16 GMT
I agree Brian that a layout is never done, it may look done but we all know that when we look at our own layouts there are things that need fixing or added to.
In my case I am adding some space mostly for the scenery. Ill be adding buildings, vehicles,lights, trees and more snow, after all it is a Christmas themed layout.
I have built many layouts in my life and never once did I think of taking it down and selling off all my trains. They are fun and the hobby and the people in it are some of the finest people I have ever known. Hopefully ill be doing it for a long time, how could I not.
Dave
|
|
|
|
Post by Country Joe on Feb 14, 2022 17:53:43 GMT
There is a good thread that was started recently on another forum by a member (DJ) who is a long time quality modeler and a good guy in our hobby. It deals with the subject of finishing a model train layout. In this topic, he talk about folks he has known that have rapidly finished their layouts to only within a year or two, tear them down, sell the equipment, and then leave the hobby. He goes on to say that for him, he never considers his layout furnished as he continually looks for ways to improve it. This is an excellent subject to address. I can see how boredom can set in if the mindset is adopted that I'm done, what's next other than to just run the trains occasionally. What a shame to put a lot of effort and financial resources into a layout build and then to just walk away. I am in the camp with DJ. Though the layout looks finished to those who may visit, it never really is. We are continually looking for ways to improve it. Last year we made a major effort to install a new suspension bridge that greatly added interest to one end of our Christmas in the City. Big lighted bridge, can't miss it when you walk in the door of the train room. This year, we are renovating the other end of the City with a new ramp connecting 34th Street to 2nd Avenue. We will also add new buildings to this area that will give additional interest. Probably most of us do not consider our layouts as finished, but rather a continual work in progress. Your thoughts on this subject. Brian, I think you nailed it with this sentence, "Though the layout looks finished to those who may visit, it never really is. We are continually looking for ways to improve it." My short term goal was to have my layout look finished as quickly as possible. Visitors see no bare spots but I have a number of projects planned to improve the layout. I knew a couple of model railroaders who would fit this description, "I can see how boredom can set in if the mindset is adopted that I'm done, what's next other than to just run the trains occasionally. What a shame to put a lot of effort and financial resources into a layout build and then to just walk away." Both started with N scale and were incredibly talented modelers. The first was a German fella who would build a layout with scratch built buildings and highly detailed scenes, show it off a bit and then dismantle it. He would leave the hobby for months but eventually return when the model railroad bug bit and build another incredible layout. The last time I heard from him he had moved on to HO. The second was similar in that he would also build a highly detailed layout with all scratch built and kitbashed structures and loads of detail, he would get on the open house tour for the annual model railroad event in his area, and after showing off the layout he would dismantle it and immediately start on another. After building a few N layouts he moved on to HO and then On30, and then I lost touch with him. Both of these modelers didn't enjoy running trains. They loved building layouts but quickly became bored with them when they were finished. I enjoy running trains so I'll go months without working on any improvements and just run trains.
|
|
|
|
Post by firewood on Feb 14, 2022 18:07:42 GMT
I agree - it's always a work in progress. I've had unfinished layouts in different scales over the years, but never lost interest in the hobby and always gravitated to O scale/gauge. My entry into 3-rail O is probably the furthest I've progressed into collecting equipment and layout building. I thought of a basement-filling project but time, resources and desire to have an achievable layout trumped the idea. I'll likely keep my freelance layout plan and refine things as I go. Future ideas are radio control/battery "dead rail" and some scratchbuilding, but right now I'm scenery-building. Well, there's several years' work in a few sentences.  Dave |
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Feb 14, 2022 18:47:12 GMT
Mine, though small, will never be finished. There will always be areas I want to improve, redo, add and so on. Why? Because that is my favorite part of the hobby so I will always be tinkering with it.
|
|
|
|
Post by dlagrua on Feb 14, 2022 18:49:18 GMT
IMO, a layout is hardly ever finished but that's the fun of it all. The key to this hobby may be to always have a W.I.P. so boredom can never set it. I would venture to say that most model railroaders of today are operators but I have encountered a few collectors that just stockpile everything. One guy that I know of has a basement loaded with O gauge model trains and a large storage locker full of trains as well. He is in very ill health now and soon everything (still new in the boxes) will need to be sold off by the family. I would encourage everyone to set up their trains and enjoy running them.
|
|
|
|
Post by joeh on Feb 15, 2022 2:56:17 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Feb 15, 2022 11:13:11 GMT
Great looking layout Joeh!
|
|
|
|
Post by rockymountaineer on Feb 15, 2022 23:24:03 GMT
No layout is ever finished -- not even those that are commissioned. Always new details to add... or even a major vignette change here and there. It's human nature.
|
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Feb 15, 2022 23:30:07 GMT
Very nice work, Joe.
|
|
|
|
Post by Traindiesel! on Feb 16, 2022 5:16:59 GMT
A layout doesn't have to be finished. It's a hobby, not a job.
|
|
|
|
Post by MichRR714 on Feb 16, 2022 5:48:45 GMT
It's not about the finish line but all about the journey.
|
|
